A brewing feud between club and country has erupted over Barcelona teen sensation Lamine Yamal as Spain manager Luis de la Fuente dismisses Hansi Flick’s complaints about the young star’s treatment on international duty.
The controversy began when Flick expressed frustration over Spain’s handling of Yamal, who carried a pubic injury but still played against Bulgaria and Turkey in World Cup qualifiers. Flick revealed that the 18-year-old winger was given painkillers to complete the matches—without proper training in between—sparking fears of long-term damage and leaving Barcelona concerned about their rising star.
“They gave him painkillers and he played 73 and 79 minutes. And between the matches, he didn’t train,” Flick said. “That’s not taking care of the players. Spain has the best players and the best national team, but they haven’t taken care of the players, and that’s what I can say. I’m very disappointed.”
Despite Yamal’s absence in subsequent fixtures against Valencia, Newcastle, Getafe, and Oviedo, Barcelona maintained their form with four straight wins, but concerns over the youngster’s long-term fitness remain high.
Speaking at a tribute event in Rioja, where a mural was dedicated to him, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente refused to engage with Flick’s criticism.
“Do you think that today, in my homeland, and enjoying this moment, I’d remember what Hansi Flick said? Well, no, I’m not interested,” de la Fuente replied, brushing off the controversy entirely.
The spat highlights the delicate balance clubs and national teams must maintain when managing the careers of elite young talents. For now, Barcelona fans can only hope that Yamal’s recovery goes smoothly, as he remains one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
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